In a move that signals immense confidence in the revived franchise, Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema are already planning their next fatality. Screenwriter Jeremy Slater has officially confirmed that Mortal Kombat III is officially in development, with the script already being written, even before audiences get a chance to see Mortal Kombat II.
The surprising announcement came during a packed panel at New York Comic Con on October 11, where the creative team behind the upcoming sequel gathered to hype up fans.
A Vote of Confidence from the Outworld
The news broke when Slater, who penned the screenplay for Mortal Kombat II and also serves as an executive producer, addressed the roaring crowd. He shared the studio's bullish outlook on the future of the series straight from the source.
“Our friends at New Line and Warner Bros. are so happy and excited with this movie,” Slater said. “They are so convinced that there is a giant fanbase waiting for it that they already hired me to start writing the next installment of Mortal Kombat.”
This early greenlight for a third film is a massive show of faith from the studios, suggesting that internal reactions to Mortal Kombat II have been overwhelmingly positive. It seems they believe the franchise has found its footing and is ready to expand into a full-blown cinematic universe.
The NYCC panel was a powerhouse of Mortal Kombat energy, featuring director Simon McQuoid returning to helm the sequel and a star-studded cast. The panel introduced The Boys’ Karl Urban, who will finally bring the charismatic and egotistical Johnny Cage to life, alongside Adeline Rudolph as Kitana, Tati Gabrielle as Jade, and Martyn Ford as the imposing Shao Kahn.
You can feel the excitement from the panel and see the cast's chemistry in this behind-the-scenes clip from the event:
[Embedded YouTube Short: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/QpEuFyncr1Y?feature=share]
Why Warner Bros. is Betting Big on Mortal Kombat
This confidence isn't coming from nowhere. Warner Bros. is drawing from the deep well of success of the video game series itself. Since its explosive debut in arcades in 1992, Mortal Kombat has sold over 100 million copies worldwide, cementing itself as one of the best-selling video game franchises of all time.
The modern era of games has only reinforced its popularity:
- Mortal Kombat X (2015) sold a staggering 12 million copies.
- Mortal Kombat 11 (2019) surpassed that with 15 million copies sold.
- And the recently released Mortal Kombat 1 (2023) has already sold 5 million copies.
With a built-in, global fanbase this large, the potential for the film series is enormous. The studio is clearly looking to build a lasting cinematic property that can run for years.
For fans looking to dive back into the games while waiting for the movies, the entire franchise is often available. You can find the latest titles and consoles here:
[Embedded Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/4ouFExz]
The Writer Behind the Kombat
Jeremy Slater, the man tasked with expanding this brutal and beloved universe, is no stranger to high-profile adaptations. While his filmography includes 2015's Fantastic Four reboot and the 2017 Netflix adaptation of Death Note, he has more recently found significant success in the world of blockbuster action. He contributed to the script for Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire and, most notably, served as the head writer and creator for the critically acclaimed Disney+ miniseries Moon Knight. His experience with complex lore and character-driven action makes him a fitting choice to guide the future of Mortal Kombat.
The Road to Mortal Kombat III
While details on the plot for Mortal Kombat III are being kept tightly under wraps, the path runs directly through the upcoming sequel. Mortal Kombat II, scheduled for release on May 15, 2026, is set to dramatically expand the world.
The film will see the return of fan-favorites like Lewis Tan as Cole Young, Jessica McNamee as Sonya Blade, and Josh Lawson as the scene-stealing Kano. They will be joined by a roster of iconic new characters, including:
- Karl Urban as Johnny Cage
- Desmond Chiam as King Jerrod
- Damon Herriman as Quan Chi
- Ana Thu Nguyen as Queen Sindel
- CJ Bloomfield as Baraka
The history of Mortal Kombat on the big screen has been a mixed bag, but a profitable one. The original 1995 film was a hit, grossing $122 million globally on a small budget. Its 1997 sequel, Mortal Kombat: Annihilation, was critically panned but still turned a profit. Combined with the $84 million worldwide gross of the 2021 reboot, the film series has netted over $257 million at the global box office. Warner Bros. is clearly betting that with the right talent and a growing universe, that number can skyrocket.
The early confirmation of Mortal Kombat III is a thrilling promise to fans that the tournament is far from over. It seems the studios are ready to yell "FIGHT!" for many years to come.
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